NFL News

Cole Kmet looking to build on last season

Cole Kmet looking to build on last season


During the offseason, Kmet expressed excitement about the role he envisions playing in the Bears’ new offense, due in part to how tight ends in similar systems—such as the 49ers’ George Kittle and the Packers’ Robert Tonyan—have been utilized.

In minicamp and OTA practices, the 6-6, 260-pounder was determined to show the new coaching staff that he’s a well-rounded tight end. He told reporters that he focused specifically on catching every pass with his hands and “really craving violence with my blocks.”

“For me, it’s just taking it day-to-day,” Kmet said, “doing my best to show the coaches what I’m capable of doing and being able to do multiple things; not just being a [receiver], not just being a run blocker, but being able to show them that I can be involved in everything, because if you can do both, run and pass really well, you’re going to get some nice open passes in the field.”

The competition behind Kmet on the depth chart this summer will include five tight ends that all joined the Bears this offseason: veterans Ryan Griffin, James O’Shaughnessy and Rysen John and undrafted rookies Chase Allen and Jake Tonges.

Griffin has appeared in 119 NFL games with 67 starts over nine seasons with the Texans (2013-18) and Jets (2019-21), catching 206 passes for 2,158 yards and 14 TDs.

“Ryan adds a veteran presence to our offense and tight end group, along with his toughness and a gritty style of play that will be a welcome addition to our team,” general manager Ryan Poles said after signing Griffin in April.

The 6-6, 255-pounder was selected by the Texans in the sixth round of the 2013 draft out of Connecticut. His most productive season came in 2016 in Houston when he set career highs with 50 receptions and 442 yards and scored two TDs. In his first year with the Jets in 2019, Griffin caught a career-high five TD passes. Last season, he appeared in 14 games with 12 starts, registering 27 receptions for 261 yards and two TDs.

O’Shaughnessy has played seven NFL seasons…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News…